You Don't Have to Be Crazy, The 10 Minute Payroll Podcast.

Hosted by Payslip

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May 2026

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About the show

You Don't Have to Be Crazy, The 10 Minute Payroll Podcast is your quick, honest, and refreshingly human take on life in payroll. Hosted by Ger Adlum from Payslip, this series skips the sales pitches and technical jargon - bringing you real conversations with global payroll leaders about the unpredictable, challenging, and often hilarious realities of working in payroll. Each guest joins us for three short, 10-minute episodes released weekly - packed with relatable stories, lessons learned, and insights from the people who live and breathe payroll every day. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast reminds you: you don't have to be crazy to work in payroll… but it definitely helps.

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47 recent

July 23, 202510 min

Episode 12: Precision, Payroll & the Power of Checklists with Michael Francis, MBA, CPP

In Episode 12, we wrap up our 3-part series with global payroll expert Michael Francis, MBA, CPP. He shares what it takes to transition from managing U.S. payroll to leading global operations - and the mindset shifts required along the way.Michael reflects on high-stakes mistakes, the underrated power of payroll checklists, and why process discipline is non-negotiable. Plus, we end on a lighter note:🦅 Payroll mascot? Check. 🎶 Theme song? You bet. 🔑 3 words to describe a payroll career? Nailed it.Practical, thoughtful, and inspiring - this final episode with Michael is a must-listen for anyone in payroll.

July 22, 202510 min

Episode 11: Driving Strategic Change in Payroll with Michael Francis, MBA, CPP

In Part 2 of our chat with Michael Francis, we get personal about payroll careers, leadership, and change. Michael shares how he went from processor to strategic leader, what working at Johnson & Johnson taught him, and how to win support for big changes - even when no one else sees the problem. A must-listen for payroll professionals ready to lead.

July 21, 20259 min

Episode 10: The Human Side of AI in Payroll with Michael Francis, MBA, CPP

Can AI really replace the human touch in payroll? In this episode of You Don’t Have to Be Crazy, Ger chats with payroll leader Michael Francis about the real impact of AI, why humans still matter, and how we can bridge the gap between tech-savvy newcomers and seasoned pros. A quick, insightful listen for anyone navigating the future of payroll.

July 16, 202511 min

Episode 9: Payroll in Professional Sports with Jodi Parsons, CPP

In the final part of our conversation with Jodi Parsons, CPP, Senior Director of Payroll at the Kansas City Royals, we go behind the scenes of payroll in professional sports. Jodi shares what makes sports payroll uniquely complex, how teams collaborate off the field, and why payroll might just be the "strength and conditioning coach" of every organization. Plus, hear her pitch for the perfect payroll mascot - "Deposit."Tune in to You Don’t Have to Be Crazy, the 10-minute payroll podcast by Pace Now.

July 15, 202510 min

Episode 8: Payroll & Principles: Jodi Parsons, CPP on Defining Moments

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jodi Parsons, CPP, Senior Director of Payroll at the Kansas City Royals, we dive into the pivotal moments that shaped her career.From her early days as a passionate sports professional to her current leadership roles in the payroll world, Jodi shares the experiences that tested her ethics, taught her about boundaries, and showed her the power of standing her ground - even when it meant walking away. You'll hear about payroll nightmares, tough compliance calls, and how a nightmare scenario became the moment that defined her career path.💡 This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of payroll leadership. Don’t forget to like and subscribe - Part 3 is coming next!

July 14, 202510 min

Episode 7: From Sports Science to Payroll: Jodi Parsons, CPP on Finding Her Calling

In this episode of You Don’t Have to Be Crazy, we chat with Jodi Parsons, CPP, Senior Director of Payroll at the Kansas City Royals, about how an unexpected opportunity launched her into the world of payroll.What started with a colleague abruptly quitting turned into a fulfilling career fueled by challenge, community, and a love for continuous learning. Jodi shares how she transitioned from sports science into payroll, the steep learning curve she embraced, and how she found her people through the American Payroll Association.🎧 Don’t miss Part 1 of this insightful journey - and be sure to subscribe so you catch Part 2!

July 9, 20259 min

Episode 6: From Spreadsheets to the World Stage - with John Lestock, CPP, CEPS, QPA, QKC

Payroll might start with spreadsheets - but for John Lestock, it led to a global stage. In this final part of our chat, John reveals the unexpected skills payroll sneaks into your CV, why thinking globally makes you better locally, and how building the right network can transform your career.

July 8, 202510 min

Episode 5: Payroll Lessons, Mentors & the Turkey Alphabet Trap with John Lestock, CPP, CEPS, QPA, QKC

In Part 2 of our conversation with global payroll expert John Lestock, we dive into the career advice that shaped him - and the payroll nightmare he’ll never forget. From cultural curveballs to the hidden complexities of global payroll (spoiler: Turkish characters matter!), John shares the lessons, frustrations, and moments of hard-earned wisdom that every payroll professional can relate to.You Don’t Have to Be Crazy - The 10-Minute Payroll Podcast from Facelift.

July 7, 202510 min

Episode 4: Mastering Payroll & Never Standing Still - with John Lestock, CPP, CEPS, QPA, QKC

In this episode, Ger Adlum chats with payroll veteran John Lestock, CPP, CEPS, QPA, QKC (yes, that many letters!). Our second guest, John brings a wealth of experience to the table as he shares why continuous learning isn’t just a nice-to-have in payroll - it’s survival. From certifications to staying on top of legislation worldwide, John explains how to keep your skills sharp, your knowledge relevant, and maybe… avoid going crazy in payroll.

July 2, 20259 min

Episode 3: Payroll Stress, Star Wars, and the One Task We'd All Automate with Hannah Huneidi, CPP

In the final part of this conversation with Hannah Hunady, Global Payroll Leader and Director of the California Payroll Conference, she shares how to handle the inevitable stress of payroll, the one task she'd automate in a heartbeat (spoiler alert: flux analysis!), and why she believes payroll is a "life of great opportunity." Hannah also gives a quick preview of this year's California Payroll Conference.💡 Haven't caught Parts 1 & 2 yet? Tune in to hear Hannah’s insights on building a global payroll career and her take on how Star Wars surprisingly relates to payroll life.